When the Boston Celtics formally suspended former head coach Ime Udoka in late September of 2022, what happened next for the club was unclear. The move came after an investigation uncovered an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer, prompting the organization to act. Just a few months prior, Boston had made a return to the NBA Finals. How would the team maintain its momentum and poise?
One of the first acts made by the organization was to promote assistant coach Joe Mazzulla to the role of interim head coach. (The interim label was officially dropped the following February.) At the time, it was a surprising choice. According to Boston Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck, however, Mazzulla came highly recommended. It was President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens who suggested Mazzulla step in, a choice Grousbeck recently told the Boston Globe he’s very glad he signed off on.
“We were in an interesting situation at the beginning of last season,” Grousbeck said.”And Brad strongly recommended Joe for the job. And Brad feels even more strongly about him now, and I agree.”
The nature of and severity of the injury was not immediately clear. https://t.co/jHI6GfSWXW
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 8, 2023
“Joe handled that initial transition, and eventually the entire season, incredibly well,” Grousbeck continued. “He’s got world-class intensity, drive, and knowledge. He is fully committed to winning a championship with this group. It’s all he thinks about.”
The Celtics won 57 games during the 2022-2023 season, even with an untested head coach at the helm. Boston locked in the No. 2 seed in the conference, eventually falling in seven games in the Eastern Conference finals. As Grousbeck explained, Mazzulla’s dedication was an important factor in the club’s success this past year, and he expects this will be the case moving forward.
“Every breath he takes is about making the Celtics better and doing a better job as a coach,” Grousbeck said of Mazzulla. “He’s all-in.”
Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck had nothing but love for Marcus Smart in a recent interview with the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach. https://t.co/RvI32tAkmv
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 8, 2023
Mazzulla is now on a multi-year deal with the Celtics, and will have the benefit of an entire offseason of preparation heading into the ’23-24 campaign. Udoka, meanwhile, was hired this spring to serve as the head coach for the Houston Rockets after officially parting ways with Boston.
Grousbeck was asked about this move, though the longtime Celtics owner didn’t have much to say about the matter. Instead, he’s looking ahead and leaving the past in the rearview.
“I’m going to leave the Ime situation in the past,” Grousbeck said. “We parted ways, so I don’t have additional comment on it, except I don’t wish anybody any ill will in the league. I obviously send out good vibes to everybody, and we’re moving forward.”
“The Celtics will depend on Derrick White more now after trading Marcus Smart,” wrote Gozlan. “However, his tight eligibility window could delay a deal until next year.” https://t.co/qyKU2XfJr7
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 8, 2023
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